Dharmic Traditions and Comparative Theology

Who We Are

The Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University (LMU), a Carnegie-classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants for an Open Rank, tenure-track position to begin in Fall 2027 in Dharmic Traditions and Comparative Theology who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence and the building of a just society.

LMU is federally recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution (AANAPISI) and is recognized by the State of California as a Black-Serving Institution (BSI). These designations reflect the university's continuing commitment to supporting student success, belonging, and thriving within a diverse academic community. As a Catholic, Jesuit, and Marymount University, LMU values faculty who engage students as whole persons and pursue scholarly work that promotes justice, equity, and the Common Good.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a commitment to LMU's teacher-scholar model. A teacher-scholar conducts research and creative work that contributes to the larger body of knowledge while setting an example for the importance of lifelong learning. A teacher-scholar at LMU is dedicated to (1) teaching a diverse student body in a transformative learning environment, (2) developing a thriving portfolio of research and mentoring students, (3) participating in service activities at the academic, professional, and/or community levels, and (4) working toward greater equity, inclusion, belonging, and accessibility for all in the profession.

For more information about our current faculty, please visit Join Our Faculty.

Position Responsibilities

We seek a scholar with expertise in teaching and research in the discipline of Dharmic Traditions and Comparative Theology whose work engages one or more of the dharmic traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.

The ideal candidate’s research should address how religious and theological traditions navigated and/or continue to navigate the complex political, cultural, and ethnic realities of colonial and post-colonial India, and is expected to have relevant linguistic expertise in these traditions. Preference will be given to candidates whose research agenda focuses on aspects of interreligious encounters among the diverse religious traditions of the Indian sub-continent, including the dharmic traditions as well as Christian and Muslim traditions in India.

Additionally, the position requires participation in the annual Doshi Bridgebuilder Award and support of India-related and intercultural activities at LMU.

Candidates should have experience teaching or the capacity to teach courses that would readily fit into the University Core and the Theological Studies Major and Minor programs, with opportunities to teach in the graduate MA programs in Yoga Studies, Theology, and Pastoral Theology.

Applicants must show promise of excellence in both teaching and research. A Ph.D. or equivalent from an accredited institution is required. Exceptional A.B.D.s will be considered.

Faculty responsibilities include maintaining an active program of scholarship, teaching and advising undergraduate students, and contributing to department and university service. Department tenure-track faculty typically teach on a two-year 2-2-2-3 course rotation (4-unit classes) within a 40% research, 40% teaching, and 20% service model. Faculty in these positions will be encouraged to contribute to the LMU Core Curriculum, for example by developing a First-Year Seminar and/or courses that incorporate Interdisciplinary Connections.

The Theological Department values collaborative, interdisciplinary, and community-engaged approaches to teaching and research. We seek candidates who are excited to teach and mentor a diverse student body in Los Angeles and who will contribute to LMU's teacher-scholar model through excellent undergraduate teaching, an active research agenda, and innovative forms of student engagement, including collaborative and community-based learning.

How To Apply

The application deadline is November 15, 2026, at 5:00pm (PST). Questions regarding this position may be directed to Dr. Saqib Hussain, Chair of the Doshi Professor of Dharmic Traditions and Comparative Theology Search Committee: [email protected]

The following application materials must be submitted online through the LMU Employment website:

●      Cover letter, which outlines the following: Summary of past and current research, and research trajectory; Areas of teaching interest; Resonance with LMU’s mission; Experiences and plans with respect to diversity, inclusion and working with underrepresented populations; Leadership and programmatic experience, and/or service interests.

●      Curriculum Vitae

●      Statement of Teaching Philosophy

●      Statement of Research

●      Writing sample of a book chapter or article (limited to 35 pages)

The teaching statement should address the candidate's pedagogical approach, share examples of activities and assignments, address how they foster inclusion and access in the classroom, and generally demonstrate their teaching and student mentorship experiences. The research statement should detail past research and its significance and impact in the academic field, elaborate current and ongoing research projects, and reflect more broadly on research trajectory. The teaching statement and research statements should not exceed two pages each.

Preliminary interviews will be conducted virtually on Zoom. Candidates who progress to the Zoom or campus visit stage may be asked for additional materials, such as sample syllabi.

Candidates who advance in the search will be asked to provide transcripts and letters of recommendation at a later stage.

Only electronic applications submitted through the LMU employment portal will be considered. Note: Workday allows a maximum of five uploaded documents (5 MB each).

Across their application materials, candidates should address their commitment to and any past and/or potential contributions to advancing LMU's mission and promoting the success, sense of belonging, and thriving of students from a variety of lived experiences. Candidates may address these commitments in relation to their scholarship, teaching, mentorship, advising, and/or service, as appropriate to their experiences and future goals. Relevant examples may include fostering inclusive and accessible learning environments, supporting equitable educational outcomes, engaging multiple perspectives and ways of knowing, mentoring students from varied backgrounds, or pursuing scholarship and service that contributes to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, justice, and/or accessibility.

#HERC# #HEJ#

Faculty RegularReasonable expected salary: $90,000.00

Please note that this position may not be eligible for visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Loyola Marymount University, a Carnegie classified R2 institution in the mainstream of American Catholic higher education, seeks outstanding applicants who value its mission and share its commitment to inclusive excellence, the education of the whole person, and the building of a just society. LMU is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing an environment free from discrimination and harassment as defined by federal, state and local law. We invite all persons in the full diversity of their being, life experience, and beliefs to apply. (Visit www.lmu.edu for more information.)

LMU is committed to providing equal access to employment opportunities and ensuring a comprehensive recruitment and selection process for all applicants.

Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the application, interview, or selection process may contact Human Resources at [email protected] or by phone at (310) 338-2723. Applicants who use relay services or other assistive communication technologies are welcome to utilize those services when contacting Human Resources.

When contacting Human Resources, please include the job posting number, title of the position and department for which you are applying. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of a disability or provide medical information when requesting an accommodation during the recruitment process.

LMU will work with applicants in a timely and interactive process to identify and provide reasonable accommodations consistent with applicable federal and state law.